bear
- 01 A2 Elementary
n.a large, heavy animal with thick fur and sharp claws.
n.a large omnivorous mammal of the family Ursidae, characterized by shaggy fur and a plantigrade gait.
Simple“The campers were warned not to leave food out because a bear had been seen nearby.”
In context“Conservationists are tracking the migration patterns of the brown bear to ensure that human development does not encroach on its natural habitat.”
- 02 C1 Advanced
n.someone who sells shares because they think the price will go down.
n.an investor who sells securities or commodities in anticipation of a price decline. Often used as an attributive noun in 'bear market'.
Simple“The bears in the stock market made a lot of money when prices dropped last week.”
In context“Market analysts noted that the bears were dominant during the morning session, leading to a significant sell-off in tech stocks.”
Antonyms - 03 C1 Advanced
n.a large, hairy man, especially in the gay community.
n.a large and typically hairy man, used specifically within the LGBTQ+ community as a term of identity.
Simple“He identifies as a bear and enjoys spending time at clubs that cater to that community.”
In context“The festival celebrated diverse body types, including a large contingent of men from the bear subculture.”
- 04 B1 Intermediate
v.to accept or deal with something painful or difficult.
v.to endure or tolerate a difficult or painful situation without giving way.
Simple“The pain was almost too much to bear, but she stayed quiet.”
In context“The residents had to bear the brunt of the storm's fury as the coastal defences were breached by the rising tide.”
- 05 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to produce fruit, flowers, or children.
v.to produce or yield by natural growth; to give birth to offspring.
Simple“The apple trees finally started to bear fruit after three years.”
In context“The investment is expected to bear fruit within the next fiscal year, providing much-needed capital for expansion.”
- 06 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to move or turn in a certain direction.
v.to move, lean, or be directed in a specific course or orientation.
Simple“When you reach the fork in the road, bear left toward the village.”
In context“The captain instructed the helmsman to bear north-northeast to avoid the shallow reefs visible on the radar.”
- 07 C1 Advanced
adj.used to describe a market where prices are falling.
adj.relating to or denoting a market in which share prices are falling, encouraging selling.
Simple“Investors are worried about the current bear market and are moving their money to gold.”
In context“The prolonged bear market has forced many hedge funds to reconsider their aggressive growth strategies in favour of capital preservation.”
Usage bear in mind · bear the brunt · bears responsibility